Wadsworth: The Village of Country Living
Just steps from the Wisconsin border and less than 50 miles to Chicago lies Wadsworth. Also known as “The Village of Country Living”, it truly has the right mix of rural and suburban feel. With everything from subdivisions to farms, Wadsworth has a little something for everyone!
The Village of Wadsworth was incorporated in 1962 and its current population, following the 2010 Decennial Census, is 3,815. The Village prides itself on its rural character which is exemplified in its acre minimum requirement for residential lots and proximity to active farmlands and Lake County Forest Preserve land holdings. Located in northern Lake County within Benton, Newport and Warren Townships, the Village’s neighbors include the Cities of Waukegan and Zion and the Villages of Beach Park, Gurnee and Old Mill Creek. The Village proudly salutes and welcomes commuters entering and leaving the State of Illinois at the northern end of I-94 at the Wisconsin State Line.
5 Fun things to do in Wadsworth
Here is a list of my favorite places to visit in Wadsworth as well as some great places to eat.
5. Golf at the Midlane Country Club
You don’t have to be a member to golf or use the driving range at Midlane Country Club. According to their website:
Ranked among Chicago’s top 20 courses by Chicagoland Golf Magazine, this 18-hole layout combines the classical elements of architect Robert Harris Bruce with the modern design features of Bob Lohmann into an outstanding golf experience for players of all abilities. The championship tees stretch to 6,848 yards for a course rating of 73.2 and 140 slope, providing a challenge to even the most accomplished golfers. The practice facility features a 30,000-square-foot bentgrass tee with target greens, a short-game area and putting green.
After a day of golf, head over the Yorkhouse Tavern and Table for a bite to eat. To make a reservation, call 224-637-3332.
Midlane Country Club: 4555 W Yorkhouse Rd, Wadsworth, IL 60083
4. Temple Lipizzans
Located on Temple Farms in Old Mill Creek (an adjacent unincorporated village), The Temple Lipizzans have been performing her since the 1980’s.
UPDATED 2023: Sadly, the Temple Lipizzans has closed. The Farmstand remains open.
According to their website:
The mission of the Tempel Lipizzans is today as it has been from the beginning: to promote classical dressage and the Lipizzan breed in the United States through a careful breeding and training program. Public exhibitions and tours serve to educate and entertain on the history of this classical art.
Check out the nearby Temple Farms farmstand at 18080 Millburn Rd, Old Mill Creek, IL 60083 for fresh local produce.
Temple Lipizzans 17000 W Wadsworth Rd, Old Mill Creek, IL 60083
3. Patch 22
Patch 22 offers family fun on the farm with a petting zoo, pony rides and hayrides plus tons of pumpkins for sale in the fall.
You can also book field trips and birthday parties from May to September.
Patch 22 15900 Kelly Road, Wadsworth, IL 60083
2. The Shanty and Captain Porky's Restaurant
The Shanty Restaurant, featured on Food Networks Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives offers a variety of dining options.
According to their website:
Respect for tradition, the local community, and a creative take on food, beverage, and private events are the foundation of The Shanty and our Shanty culture. Our restaurant has been a gathering place for neighborhood locals to eat, drink, and socialize for over 100 years. As the community of Wadsworth, Illinois has grown through the years, so has The Shanty. Dimitri Kallianis and his family purchased the Shanty in 2006. By late 2010,with the help of local farmers, the original part of The Shanty was reconstructed using local reclaimed barn wood restored from neighborhood farms.
Looking for something a little more casual? Try Captain Porky’s next door. Fresh seafood and barbeque favorites offers something for everyone in the family.
The Shanty 38985 US-41, Wadsworth, IL 60083
Captain Porky’s 38995 N, US-41, Wadsworth, IL 60083
1. Lake County Forest Preserves
The Lake County Forest Preserves manage almost 31,00 acres of land! From Wadsworth, you can enter these three:
Des Plaines River Trail spans 31.4 miles and winds through 12 forest preserves.
Sedge Meadow gives you access to Des Plaines River Trail plus there is a nearby canoe launch.
Follow the trail North through the Wadsworth Savanah.
Continue on to Van Patten Woods which has a little a variety of activies. Sterling Lake, a canoe launch, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing trails. There is even a model air craft flying field with permit use.
Sedge Meadow Trailhead parking 15615 W Wadsworth Rd, Wadsworth, IL 60083
Van Patten Woods Route West Route 173, Wadsworth, IL 60083
Bonus Stop: The Gold Pyramid House
Due to a fire in 2018, the Gold Pyramid House is not currently offering indoor tours. However, it’s still a fun drive to see a five story pyramid…in Illinois!
The Gold Pyramid House 37921 N Dilleys Road, Wadsworth, IL
Time to Visit Wadsworth Illinois
Catch the Metra UP-N to Zion or hop in your car and come visit my favorite exurb in Northern Lake County.
Want to make your stay more permanent? Click HERE for current information on homes for sale in Wadsworth, Illinois. Then Contact me and lets get your new dream home in Wadsworth.
hey (hay?) thanks for adding http://www.Patch22.biz Fall is our busiest time, and we do book parties till 2nd week of November and of course offer deliveries of ponies, Barnyard Buddies petting farms and hayrides
also avail: free range eggs local honey for sale
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